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FOREWORD
A Word to the Owner of the VR-3000, VR-3000S
Thank you for purchasing the FURUNO Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) VR-3000, Simplified
Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR) VR-3000S. We are confident you will discover why FURUNO
has become synonymous with quality and reliability.
What is a VDR, S-VDR?
A VDR records various data and events encountered aboard ship. The purpose of the VDR is to
help investigators locate the causes of marine incidents. There is no principle difference between
a VDR and an S-VDR. The difference is the amount of information required to be recorded. The
VDR is required to record more data than the S-VDR. Note that this manual refers to either the
VDR or S-VDR as VDR.
The revised SOLAS Chapter V requires the installation of VDRs on passenger ships of 150 GT
and above on all voyages and other ships of 3000 GT and above on international voyages and for
newly built ships on and after 1 July, 2002.
The basic VR-3000/VR-3000S consists of a Data Collecting Unit (DCU), a Data Recording Unit
(DRU), a Remote Alarm Panel (RAP) and microphones to record bridge audio. The VR-3000 is
also equipped with a Junction Box (JB), which is optional on the VR-3000S. The DCU contains
the Data Processor Unit, interface modules and backup batteries. It collects data from sensors as
required by the IMO and IEC standards. The DCU processes the incoming data and information
in the order of occurrence while old data is overwritten with new data for storage in the DRU for a
12 h period. The batteries supply power to the DCU to record bridge audio for 2 h in case of a
main ship’s power failure.
The flash memory in the DRU stores the data coming from the DCU. All essential navigation and
status data including bridge conversation, VHF communications, and radar images are recorded.
The data can be retrieved by using playback software for investigation after an incident. The DRU
components are embodied in the protective capsule. The capsule ensures survival and recovery
of the recorded data after an incident. An acoustical pinger helps locate the DRU underwater.
Features
• Reliable and fast data exchange between DCU and DRU via a single IEEE1394 cable.
• Easy commissioning and maintenance by PC downloading/uploading.
• 12-hour recording of normal sensor loading in standard memory.
• UTC time tagged for system synchronization and easy data retrieval.
• Choice of flash memory capacity in the Data Recording Unit.
• Backup hard disk (HDD) for storage and retrieval of data.
• Meets IMO A.861 (20), IEC 61996 and other relevant standards.